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Best Integrated for SF Signum?

This is my first post in this forum. I recently fell in love with Signum. My current equipment is; Marantz SR-18EX, Pioneer 525, DH Labs Q-10 + siver bananas, and Energy Encore 5.1 package (one pair used for main is now up for sale). As you can see, I am shifting from HT to more 2 ch. I bought Signum because Marantz is so good and it deserve more decent mains. Now, my bug is telling me that Signum is so good and it deserves more decent amp. Based on my estimate that I will NOT be able to have a much bigger listening room (living with TV and other stuff - there is not much space to spare for equipment) for the next 10 years and that I will stick with Signum for 10 years, I decided to go with integrated. My current candidate are as follows; - Plinius 8200 - Sim Moon - Krell 300i or 500i My favorite music are Classic, especially strings, piano, organ, and choral. Also, I still would like to utilize Marantz and Encore for movie watching. Am I asking too much? Please let me know which one you would recommend, with respect to combination, balance, flexibility (for HT system), and Manufacturers' service. Or if you have strong oppsition to my selection, please free to bash me. Thanks in advance!
khokugo
rute1
71 posts
 
If you have that choice, you should go with Plinius 8200: very musical, good tonal balance, one of the best SS integrated that has some tube like top end and enought punch! also go well with SF! Regards, Rute
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,385 posts
 
I have to agree with Rute1 on the Plinius. I listened to the SF Concertos run by the Plinius 8150 integrated at a local dealer and the combo sounded "right". I am not familiar with the 8200 model. I also listened to Linn Tukans on the Plinius with equally favorable results. The amp appeared to master full control of the speakers with no noticable strain even at higher volume levels. I also feel that a good sub would do wonders for the type of music that you prefer (the Signum's have moderate LF response) and of course would add slam to your HT use as well.
khokugo OP
122 posts
 
Thanks both of you. OK, recommendation for sub and/or CDP? My current DVD player is not good enough, is it?
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,385 posts
 
Khokugo: Search this site using "sub" or "subwoofer" as a key word, there is a lot of info on the subject. I just looked up your speakers at Audioreview.com and it looks like most of the owners do use subs. I try to avoid switching more than one thing at a time in my system as it becomes to confusing and difficult to asses the change that the new piece of equipment makes. I also do not use subs now and just know that I did not find the under $1200.00 models that I additioned to be adequate for quality two channel use. Your current player may sound pretty good through the preamp section of the new amp that you select. I would wait on changing the player until you hear the combination. Also if you go with lets say a Plinius amp, the bass that you achieve may satisfactory for your room and listening tastes. Since you definately want to try a better amp is seems, then maybe this would be a more logical approach to take. Perhaps my suggestion that you "skimp" on the amp was not such a good one at that, now that I give it more thought. Feel free to bash me if you wish:-)
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,385 posts
 
PS: Your player is the reccomended mate to my Bel Canto DAC, I believe. How bad could it be?
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